Just in store

Cracking Finish

Leaping merrily aboard the crackle glaze bandwagon is Models Own, which, alongside hip salon Wah Nails, has created Smash Up, a suite of nine screamingly-loud shatter topcoats, €8 each. What’s new about these is the shade variety and there’s even a metallic thrown in for good measure. Paint over a contrasting colour, watch them crack into unique patterns and channel the trend for nail art the easy way.

Wham Balm

Clinique’s new Chubby Sticks, €19, don’t just look juicy — they promise to be a good-for-lips treat too. Eight sheer shades twist up from the base and contain shea and mango seed butters plus jojoba seed oil for a perfectly pampered pout. Pucker up.

Bright Eyes

The budget beauty sector is on fire right now and Catrice is bang on the money with a brand new look, tiny prices and loads of on-trend collections. Find these Absolute Eye Colour Duos in Green Card and Lavenderlicious on stands for a mere €4.29 each.

Heart Warming

Part of the Quite Cute collection from Mac, Giggly Mineralize Blush, €24.50, is, well, quite cute. Soft baked pink powder surrounds a shimmery lavender heart; swirl a brush through both for a pop of colour that delivers a lovely subtle sheen on the skin.

Eye Opener

Chanel’s new Precision Eyelash Curler, €30, is a chic, glossy black and embossed with that all-important Chanel logo. As if that wasn’t enough, it’ll give your peepers extra flutter power too. Honestly, what’s not to like?

Q. I’m really loving the bright lips I’ve seen on catwalks and in magazines, but I’m not sure they’ll suit me?

A. BRIGHTS can be really daunting.

If you’re wary of fuchsia pinks, corals and reds, then you’re not alone. “I have noticed over the past 10 years that many women are in the habit of wearing nude lip colours because they are frightened of colour,” reveals self-professed lipstick queen Poppy King, who has just launched a line of sheer, wearable lipsticks for No7. Designed to provide an antidote to the neutral lip, the collection represents an ideal way to wear colour if you’re a novice, thanks to flattering shades and a sheer, slightly glossy finish.

And there’s lots more where that came from too, as brands wake up to the fact there’s got to be a middle ground between gloopy gloss and bullets of matte, flat tones.

Keep an eye out on beauty counters for Shiseido Shimmering Rouge, Lancôme L’Absolou Nu and Chanel Rouge Coco Shine, three launches aimed at those who want wearable brights that won’t dominate.

Try Dior Addict Lipstick in Dior Kiss, €28, far right, Sleek Makeup Pout Polish in Sugar May, €7 or Poppy King for No7 in History, €16.25, right.

* Check out Kirstie’s blog at beaut.ie/blog/